In short, they are encouraging that there be a more civil discourse. “I don’t think they mind us asking questions of the umpires, like ‘Was that pitch outside?'” said one player. “I think what they don’t want is any of us to get into questioning integrity.”

I’m curious about what they’re telling the umpires. Because most of the high profile run-ins we’ve seen in the past few years have been the result of umpires escalating things, not players. Joe West, Angel Hernandez and that crowd reacting angrily to players even questioning calls. Umpires walking over to dugouts to confront managers when someone squawks.

Actually, I think it’ll help a lot. Many umps, I think, take pride in getting it right. Replay would give them a chance to do just that more often. Only a very few (likely those mentioned by Craig) would then go on to be douches about it.

Sounds like umpires and police have a lot in common. Have you ever tried to ask a police officer a question and had him look back at you like you were a criminal. I’m not talking mayberry police. City police, sounds like umpires are similar.

And the inconsistency is from inning to inning which is even more frustrating. It makes watching baseball maddening.

stex52 - Mar 19, 2012 at 12:41 PM

I agree. Most of the high profile stuff for the last couple of years comes from umpires losing their cool or trying to show players up. I’m sure they get tired of the little under-the-breath comments and stuff from players, but – guess what? – it goes with the job. Immediately discipline any ump who ever flies off the handle and it will slow down. If it is the player or manager that goes crazy, they have tapes of the confrontation. MLB can deal with that.

“Shitcan”? What’d the poor ole shitcan do deserve Cowboy Joe? Naw, man. Not the can. Use a septic tank…one that the contestants of the Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest use.

jwbiii - Mar 20, 2012 at 2:38 AM

OG, I can’t wait until the first time that Joe West (or one of the above mentioned umpires) walks over to the Marlins’ dugout and gives Ozzie Guillen the heave-ho. And Ozzie steps out on the top step, points at the umpire, and gives him the heave-ho sign right back.